Sports Coaching and Physical Education - BSc (Hons)
Currently viewing course to start in 2023/24 Entry. Switch to 2024/25 Entry
The course content is designed to ensure graduates develop the pedagogical practice required to coach athletes across a range of ages and abilities, as well as the delivery of all areas of the Physical Education curriculum at both Primary and Secondary school level....
- Level Undergraduate
- Study mode Full Time
- Location City South / Alexander Stadium
- Award BSc (Hons)
- Start date September 2023
- Fees View course fees
- School School of Health Sciences
- Faculty Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences
Overview
The course content is designed to ensure graduates develop the pedagogical practice required to coach athletes across a range of ages and abilities, as well as the delivery of all areas of the Physical Education curriculum at both Primary and Secondary school level. Following graduation, you will be in a position to gain employment within a sports coaching or school sport setting, or embark on postgraduate studies, such as a PGCE in Physical Education.
What's covered in this course?
We will help you develop a keen understanding of your own coaching and teaching philosophy, along with providing you with industry and cultural factors that influence the wider context of sport. You will gain practical application of the theoretical underpinnings of coaching and PE teaching and have access to hands-on experiences.
Physical education continues to be an important part of Government agendas, so with this in mind, you will also learn relevant and up-to-date information that is linked and mapped to the National Curriculum for Physical Education (NCPE). You will be taught the contemporary information that educators within this sector require. It won’t just be about sport either; you'll be looking at different aspects of health and people at opposite ends of the health spectrum. It's a chance for you to gain the knowledge and skills needed to negotiate different challenges in your future profession.
To help build these skills, you'll go on placements, working face-to-face and gaining first-hand experience in a coaching and/or school environment, something which will enhance your future employability.
By studying this course, you’ll split your time between our recently extended £71 million campus in Edgbaston, Birmingham, and the world-class Alexander Stadium in Perry Barr, Birmingham which contain our state-of-the-art sport and exercise laboratory, sports therapy rooms, cutting-edge resources and a designated sports area. The Stadium was home to the Commonwealth Games in summer 2022, and the University is investing an additional £5m in areas across both main stands which will be home to our students.
Why Choose Us?
- Placement experience - you'll gain vital, first-hand experience of coaching and physical education by undertaking placements where you can build your knowledge and enhance your abilities
- Job opportunities - benefit from our staff expertise and networks to help support you to find work experience and opportunities. We have students who have gained employment within organisations, such as the Football Association and in schools, since starting their course with us.
- Inspiring children - with you, we deliver a host of practical-based teamwork and activities, ensuring you learn by doing. We regularly hold sports festivals for students from all year groups to host with local school children, to provide you with hands-on experience right from the start of the course
- World-class facilities - You’ll split your time between our campus in Edgbaston, Birmingham, and - from early 2024 - the world-class Alexander Stadium in Perry Barr, Birmingham. We have a lease for space across the East and West stands of the Stadium and are investing £5 million in developing the space to house our state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge resources, including physiology labs and biomechanics suite.
- Get work experience abroad - you can apply for a travel scholarship as part of our Go Abroad scheme to carry out exciting work placements overseas. Sport students have been as far as Canada in the past.
- Partnerships - we have developed and are continuing to develop excellent partnerships with sports organisations such as Warwickshire County Cricket (the University sponsors the Birmingham Bears T20 team), Kidderminster Harriers FC, City of Birmingham Swimming Club and UK Athletics. Our aim is to offer unique opportunities and experiences that will be invaluable for you in building a CV and provide the foundations for a successful career.
Similar Courses
Open Days
Join us for an on-campus Open Day where you'll be able to meet us in person. You'll get the chance to learn about courses in subject talks, chat to students and explore our campus and accommodation. We'll post you a detailed event programme to help plan your day and find your way.
Next Open Day: Saturday 24 June 2023
Entry Requirements
These entry requirements apply for entry in 2023/24.
All required qualifications/grades must have been achieved and evidenced at the earliest opportunity after accepting an offer to help confirm admission and allow for on-time enrolment. This can also include other requirements, like a fee status form and relevant documents. Applicants can track their application and outstanding information requests through their BCU mySRS account.
We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.
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112 UCAS tariff points Applicants must normally have evidence of formal study within the last five years. However, we are sometimes able to waive this requirement if a candidate has a significant amount of professional experience in a relevant field, for example healthcare, social care, or education. Successful candidates will be required to obtain an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service clearance via the Faculty prior to enrolling onto this course. |
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GCSE |
GCSE English Language or Literature, GCSE Maths and GCSE Science at grade C/4 or above. If you do not have these or are not undertaking them, we accept other Level 2 equivalents, or we may ask you to pass BCU's GCSE equivalency tests. |
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Irish Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level) |
See level 3 entry requirements under Irish Leaving Certificate for full details. |
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Scottish National 5 |
English Language or Literature, Maths and Science at grade C or above. If you do not have these or are not undertaking them, we accept other Level 2 equivalents, or we may ask you to pass BCU's GCSE equivalency tests. |
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A level and Advanced VCE |
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Access to HE Diploma |
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British bachelor's degree |
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International Baccalaureate Diploma |
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Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers) |
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OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma |
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OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma |
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Open University courses |
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Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher |
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T-Levels |
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If you have a qualification that is not listed in the table, please refer to our full entry requirements on UCAS. Further guidance on tariff points can be found on the UCAS website. |
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IELTS |
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Fees & How to Apply
UK students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BSc (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2023
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
- £9,250 in 2023/24
- Apply via UCAS
International students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BSc (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2023
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
- £13,980 in 2023/24
Guidance for UK students
UK students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.
Applying through UCAS
Register with UCAS
Login to UCAS
Complete your details
Select your course
Write a personal statement
Get a reference
Pay your application fee
Send UCAS your application
Our advice for applying to a health care course
Applying for a course and preparing for an interview can be a daunting process, so we have created a series of films to help you through the process, including what to put in your personal statement.
Guidance for International students
There are three ways to apply:
1) Direct to the University
You will need to complete our International Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form, and submit them together with scan copies of your original academic transcripts and certificates.
2) Through a country representative
Our in-country representatives can help you make your application and apply for a visa. They can also offer advice on travel, living in the UK and studying abroad.
3) Through UCAS
If you are applying for an undergraduate degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND), you can apply through the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
You can request a printed form from your school or nearest British Council office. You will be charged for applying through UCAS. Birmingham City University’s UCAS code is B25 BCITY.
Personal statement
Your personal statement is a highly important part of your application. It gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.
Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:
Course choice
Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?
Career plans
If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.
Work experience
Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.
School or college experience
Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.
Non-accredited skills or achievement
eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.
You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.
Get more information on writing personal statements.
Course in Depth
Year One
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
The aim of this module is to introduce the theories and methods of coaching. This will include topics such as athlete development, coaching models, coach education, interpersonal relationships, and contextual influences on coaching. The module will focus on delivering a blend of lectures, seminars, and practicals. This will provide you with the knowledge and understanding of relevant concepts integrated within the coaching process to underpin the planning, delivery, and reflection of applied practice. Therefore, the key purpose of this module is to encourage you to reflect upon how they may apply the module content into real-life situations. As a developing coach and member of the sport community, this module will encourage you to reflect in their own life experiences which will be a valuable tool to facilitate knowledge translation.
This module aims to provide an insight into the strategies that can be used to analyse and quantify sports performance in a valid and consistent manner to help inform training and match-play decisions. Objective analysis of performance is achieved through the collection of real-time data, which will be analysed and reported to coaches in a useable manner. The means by which performance analysis data can be used to enhance training interventions, augment learning and improve decision-making in competitive situations will be the focus of discussion in sessions.
This module will provide you with a core foundation of knowledge in Physical Education (PE) and School Sport. It is intended that you will be aware of how PE differs to School Sport, but also how they can be interlinked.
This module will provide an understanding of how children develop through a physical, emotional, health and well-being perspective. Students will learn about how skill and ability levels can differ between children, and factors which influence development of these. Further studies will focus on how children process information in order to make decisions, and this can be compared and contrasted as children grow through different maturational stages.
This module covers the process of research and enquiry in the discipline of sports and exercise science, nutrition, sports therapy, and PE and School Sport. It provides guidance on how to interpret scientific literature, so that you can find relevant sources of information for a study or an assessment, gain an understanding of different sources of information and consider how knowledge is generated. This module is important for underpinning your developing knowledge in other modules, including physiology and planning and conducting research for example.
This module aims to provide you with the underpinning knowledge of various physiological systems in the human body, and key training principles, which relate to sport and exercise. You will be introduced to the concept of the body working as multiple interrelated physiological ‘systems’. Whilst each system has its own independent function, the function of one will have a direct impact on the function of another and will subsequently impact upon sports performance or health.
Year Two
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
This module aims to develop and utilise pedagogical skills in a real-world setting, whilst providing an opportunity to critically develop learning and experience, and work on a live piece of investigation with the placement provider. Application of subject knowledge and the National Curriculum for PE/ National Governing Body syllabus will be key to the successful completion of this work. This module will also provide an opportunity to develop essential employability attributes (e.g. interpersonal skills) which will also offer ideal preparation for the Level 6 Sports Coaching and PE work placement module.
Within this module you will learn about a range of issues surrounding PE and sports coaching. You will identify the key principles of what helps students engage in PE and sport, and what local, national and international initiatives are available to help promote a physical active and healthy lifestyle.
Within this module students will learn about the reasons for physical activity promotion and the barriers to physical activity participation. Students will identify the recommended daily guidelines for physical activity, whilst exploring health and social strategies to improve lifestyle through facilitating physical activity behaviours.
Within this module you will learn about a range of pedagogical practices which bring about high quality PE lessons where school children are physically active for sustainable periods of time. You will identify the key principles of high quality teaching practice and relate these to practical experiences of teaching PE and sport.
The module aims to assist you in gaining a more critical understanding of the research of others and to act as a complement to other second year modules you will be studying. It will also directly prepare you for undertaking your own research at Level 6.
Year Three
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
This aims to be a problem-based module where you will develop, utilise, and further apply pedagogical skills in a real world setting. The module will provide an opportunity to critically develop learning and experience, and work on a live piece of investigation by agreement with the placement provider. Application of subject knowledge and the national curriculum for PE/ National Governing Body syllabus will be key to the successful completion of this work. This module will also provide an opportunity to develop essential employability attributes (e.g., interpersonal skills) which you will develop further from the Sports Coaching and Physical Education – Professional Practice 1.
The aim of this module is to provide students with the understanding and key concepts of working in a high performance sporting environment from a coaching perspective. The primary objectives are to ensure students recognise the holistic nature of high performance sport (i.e., how the coach connects with staff in other disciplines such as Sport Science, Strength and Conditioning, Performance Analysis, Psychology, and Nutrition), and are capable of delivering progressive coaching sessions in relation to a sport-specific performance plan. This is an advanced module into high performance sports coaching, which further develops knowledge and practical skills gained through The Coaching Process and Applied Pedagogy in Sports Coaching and Physical Education.
This module provides you with the opportunity to design and carry out a substantive piece of independent research which is focused on an area of interest related to your programme of study. This in-depth, self-managed study will encourage you to examine a critical issue from your sector or discipline.
This module aims to further develop your understanding of the psychological aspects of development and progress in sport. The module also explores the various ways this topic is researched. The underlying aim of the module is to contribute to your development as a more thoughtful and effective sport scientist. It will equip you with a range of strategies and tools for investigating the psychological aspects of athletic development.
Download course specification
Download nowThe Sports Coaching and Physical Education course will include a mix of practical, seminar and lecture sessions. It will also include work-based placements, enabling you to build your knowledge and gain first-hand experience, and assessments.
Overseas opportunities
There is the opportunity for trips to sporting locations across Europe, and you can also apply to take part in an international exchange programme, spending a period abroad at a partner university.
Employability
Enhancing your employability skills
Physical activity and health continue to be a global concern, so this course ensures you are given the relevant, up-to-date information you require to enter employment in related disciplines. Upon graduating, the ultimate goal is likely to be to either enter the PE and school sport environment or the Sports Coaching environment promoting lifelong physical activity and healthy active lifestyles. You can also progress on to a PGCE or a Master’s degree, furthering your skills.
Placements
Placements play a significant role in this course, as it is important you build up your experience and knowledge of working within the sector. You'll work in sports clubs and/or schools on placements, gaining first-hand exposure.
International
Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
- Explore some of the good reasons why you should study here.
- Find out how to improve your language skills before starting your studies.
- Find all the information relevant to applicants from your country.
- Learn where to find financial support for your studies.
Facilities & Staff
Teaching for our Sports courses is split between our £71 million campus in Edgbaston, Birmingham, and the world-class Alexander Stadium in Perry Barr, Birmingham. Our cutting-edge facilities for sports students include a state-of-the-art sport and exercise lab, sports therapy suite, biomechanics lab and physiology labs.
The Stadium was home to the Commonwealth Games in summer 2022, and the University is investing an additional £5m to develop space in the East and West stands as a home for our students.
Our staff
Dr Adam L. Kelly
Senior Lecturer and Course Leader for Sports Coaching and Physical Education
Adam L. Kelly, PhD, CSci, is a Senior Lecturer and Course Leader for Sports Coaching and Physical Education. Alongside attaining his PhD from the University of Exeter, Adam is a BASES Sport and Exercise Scientist, UEFA A and FA AYA Licenced Coach, and Fellow of the HEA. Broadly, his research interests explore organisational structures in youth...
More about Adam L.Dr Irfan Khawaja
Senior Lecturer in Physical Education
Irfan has worked in a range of primary and secondary schools across the region, and was a curriculum coordinator for P.E. at key stage 5. In addition to this, Irfan has also worked within Pupil Referral Units and supported a range of disability workshops including invasion games, and dance festivals.
More about IrfanRachel Black
Course Leader BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
Rachel gained qualified teacher status in Physical Education in 1999, and has a wealth of experience teaching, leading and advising in a range of both primary and secondary schools in Sussex and Shropshire. Rachel has gained considerable experience teaching in Higher Education, and prior to joining the team at Birmingham City University, taught on...
More about RachelCraig Newton
Lecturer
Craig has 10 years teaching physical education at both primary and secondary level. Craig has experience as a head of department, educational visit coordinator and led a whole school initiative of mentoring SEN pupils from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Whilst teaching he studied part time to gain a Masters in Teaching and Learning and has since...
More about CraigRichard Handyside
Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science
Richard has provided Performance Analysis support to The English Institute of Sport, England Netball, Arsenal Football Club and Leeds United Football Club. Richard won a Gold Medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in Australia, and subsequent BBC SPOTY Team of the Year and Moment of the Year award with England Netball.
More about Richard